Motorcyclists are also coming under fire, forbidden to use certain roads in the area of East Flanders known as the Flemish Ardennes, after local residents complained about the threat to their rural tranquillity. According to Bruno Tuybens, mayor of Zwalm, motorcyclists are being restricted to main roads because the cobbles on side roads are too far apart for safety, and there are many potholes.

But who could possibly take exception to the Segway? Bruges city council, that's who. Tourists visiting the postcard city are now able to take a guided tour on the Segway, an electric scooter on which you stand. The usual reaction on seeing somebody try to ride one is to double up with laughter (the tycoon who bought the Segway company died while driving his off a cliff), but tourism alderman Jean- Marie Bogaert goes further. “Our streets are too narrow, and those things get in the way of pedestrians and cyclists alike,” he complained.

“There are a lot of activities going on in the streets of Bruges, yet we're the only ones who's being picked on,” laments Arend Van Londen, who organises the Segway tours. “Apart from everything else, we're the most environmentally friendly way of getting around,” Van Londen says. “It's all a terrible misunderstanding.”